Sunday, 15 March 2015

Broken Creek

We camped beside Broken Creek near Nathalia, in a quiet spot, we thought. Perfect for an overnight stop on our way to the high country.

Bourkes Bridge is a delightful spot. The creek has timber debris and some reeds on the banks, the road is still dirt, the bridge made of timber. When we were there the weather was warm and still and over several hours I was able to record about thirty species of birds from the comfort of my deckchair - Peaceful Doves, Striated Pardalotes, Fairy Martins, Grey Butcherbirds and friarbirds all calling beautifully. There were little skinks and dragonflies basking in the sunshine. The reflections in the water were glorious as night settled in.

But we had to laugh. Our peace was broken frequently by local farmers driving along the road, by backpackers walking to a nearby orchard to pick apples, by a farmer stopping to have a leisurely chat to us and by a flock of sheep being moved to another paddock along the road and across the bridge. But we wouldn't hesitate to camp there again. It was an absolute delight.